EP0721593B1 - Magnetic resonance apparatus comprising an improved gradient system - Google Patents
Magnetic resonance apparatus comprising an improved gradient system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0721593B1 EP0721593B1 EP95921958A EP95921958A EP0721593B1 EP 0721593 B1 EP0721593 B1 EP 0721593B1 EP 95921958 A EP95921958 A EP 95921958A EP 95921958 A EP95921958 A EP 95921958A EP 0721593 B1 EP0721593 B1 EP 0721593B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- gradient
- coil
- gradient coil
- capacitor
- switch
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R33/00—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables
- G01R33/20—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables involving magnetic resonance
- G01R33/28—Details of apparatus provided for in groups G01R33/44 - G01R33/64
- G01R33/38—Systems for generation, homogenisation or stabilisation of the main or gradient magnetic field
- G01R33/385—Systems for generation, homogenisation or stabilisation of the main or gradient magnetic field using gradient magnetic field coils
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01R—MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
- G01R33/00—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables
- G01R33/20—Arrangements or instruments for measuring magnetic variables involving magnetic resonance
- G01R33/28—Details of apparatus provided for in groups G01R33/44 - G01R33/64
- G01R33/38—Systems for generation, homogenisation or stabilisation of the main or gradient magnetic field
- G01R33/385—Systems for generation, homogenisation or stabilisation of the main or gradient magnetic field using gradient magnetic field coils
- G01R33/3852—Gradient amplifiers; means for controlling the application of a gradient magnetic field to the sample, e.g. a gradient signal synthesizer
Definitions
- the invention relates to a magnetic resonance apparatus, comprising a magnet system for generating a steady magnetic field in a measurement space, a gradient coil system for generating gradient fields in the measurement space, and a number of gradient amplifiers with input terminals which are connected to means for generating an input signal exhibiting a predetermined variation as a function of time, and output terminals, the output terminals of at least one of the gradient amplifiers being connected to an output circuit which comprises a series connection of a gradient coil and at least one capacitor.
- the gradient coil in the known apparatus constitutes a series resonant circuit in conjunction with one or two capacitors.
- the cited document explains that as a result of this step the voltage across the gradient coil may be substantially higher than the output voltage of the gradient amplifier. This is because a boost effect occurs when the resonant circuit operates in resonance, so that the voltage across the gradient coil may become very high. In this situation the gradient amplifier need merely compensate for the voltage loss across the ohmic resistance of the gradient coil.
- the current through the gradient coil equals the output current of the gradient amplifier.
- the apparatus in accordance with the invention is characterized in that the output circuit also comprises a transformer with a primary winding and a secondary winding, the primary winding being connected to the output terminals of the gradient amplifier whereas the secondary winding constitutes a series resonant circuit in conjunction with the gradient coil and the capacitor.
- the current through the gradient coil is determined by the output current of the gradient amplifier, multiplied by the transformation ratio of the transformer.
- This transformation ratio can be chosen at random within broad limits at no substantial additional costs.
- the voltage across the gradient coil is determined mainly by the boost effect in the resonant circuit.
- An embodiment of the apparatus in accordance with the invention is characterized in that the gradient coil is composed of substantially identical first and second sub-coils, each of which comprises a first end and a second end, and that the first ends of the first and second sub-coils are interconnected via the secondary winding whereas the second ends of the first and second sub-coils are interconnected via the capacitor.
- This embodiment offers the advantage that only half of the voltage across the entire gradient coil will be present across each sub-coil. As a result, less severe requirements may be imposed as regards the quality of the insulation of the gradient coil.
- the capacitor is situated at the electrical centre of the gradient coil.
- a further embodiment of the apparatus in accordance with the invention is characterized in that a first on/off switch is included in the series resonant circuit. By opening the first on/off switch at an instant at which the current in the resonant circuit equals zero, the current can be maintained at the value zero so that the operation of the gradient coil is abruptly interrupted.
- a further embodiment of the apparatus in accordance with the invention is characterized in that a second on/off switch is connected electrically in parallel with the capacitor. By closing the second on/off switch at an instant at which the voltage across the capacitor equals zero, the current through the gradient coil can briefly be maintained at its maximum value.
- a third on/off switch is electrically connected in series with the primary winding of the transformer and that the output terminals of the gradient amplifier are connected to different ends of the gradient coil via a fourth on/off switch and a fifth on/off switch.
- the gradient coil can be connected to the output terminals of the gradient amplifier in a conventional manner.
- the gradient coil is then no longer included in a resonant circuit, so that a series of conventional gradient pulses can be generated. This is because it is desirable for some examinations to operate the gradient coil with conventional pulses and in resonance in rapid succession.
- Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a magnetic resonance apparatus in accordance with the invention
- Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of a circuit for feeding a gradient coil, which embodiment is suitable for use in the apparatus shown in Fig. 1,
- Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of a circuit for feeding a gradient coil, which embodiment is suitable for use in the apparatus shown in Fig. 1, and
- Fig. 4 shows a third embodiment of a circuit for feeding a gradient coil, which embodiment is suitable for use in the apparatus shown in Fig. 1.
- a magnetic resonance apparatus as shown in Fig. 1 comprises a magnet system 1 for generating a steady, uniform magnetic field, a gradient coil system 3 for generating magnetic gradient fields, and a power supply source 5 for the magnet system.
- the apparatus also comprises a gradient signal generator 7 and a number of gradient amplifiers 9, i.e. three in the present example.
- Each gradient amplifier 9 is connected to an output circuit which comprises, in addition to one of the gradient coils 3, a matching circuit 11 which will be described in detail hereinafter with reference to the Figs. 2 to 4.
- a magnet coil 13 which serves to generate an RF magnetic alternating field is connected to an RF source 15.
- a surface coil 17 is shown for detection of magnetic resonance signals generated by the RF transmitted field in an object to be examined.
- the coil 17 For reading out the coil 17 is connected to a signal amplifier 19.
- the signal amplifier 19 is connected to a phase-sensitive rectifier 21 which is connected to a central control device 23.
- the central control device 23 also controls a modulator 25 for the RF source 15, the gradient signal generator 7 and a monitor 27 for display.
- An RF oscillator 29 controls the modulator 25 as well as the phase-sensitive rectifier 21 which processes measurement signals.
- a cooling device 31 which comprises cooling ducts 33.
- the transmitter coil 13, arranged within the magnet systems 1 and 3 generates an RF field in a measurement space 35 which offers enough space to accommodate a patient in the case of an apparatus for medical diagnostic measurements.
- a steady magnetic field, gradient fields for position selection of slices to be imaged, and a spatially uniform RF alternating field can thus be generated in the measurement space 35.
- the steady magnetic field generated by the steady magnet system 1 is thus oriented along the Z axis.
- a gradient coil system 3 in a magnetic resonance apparatus usually comprises, for each of the coordinate directions X, Y and Z, a coil system whose activation produces gradient fields in each of these directions so that a pixel-by-pixel image of an object can be formed.
- the coil systems for the X and Y gradients are usually substantially identical, but rotated through 90° in an azimuthal sense.
- Each of the three coil systems for the X, Y and Z gradients comprises gradient coils which, together with one of the three matching circuits 11, form part of an output circuit which is connected, via one of the three gradient amplifiers 9, to a separate output of the gradient signal generator 7 which is arranged to generate a suitable signal for each of the three coil systems.
- at least one of the matching circuits 11 comprises parts which constitute a series resonant circuit in conjunction with the associated gradient coil 3.
- Fig. 2 shows a gradient amplifier 9 with input terminals 38 which are connected to the gradient signal generator 7 shown in Fig. 1 and output terminals 39 whereto a first embodiment of an output circuit is connected.
- the output circuit comprises a transformer 41 with a primary winding 43 and a secondary winding 45.
- the primary winding 43 is connected to the output terminals 39 of the gradient amplifier 9.
- the gradient coil 3 of the present embodiment is subdivided into a first sub-coil 3a and a second sub-coil 3b, said sub-coils being substantially identical.
- the voltage across each sub-coil 3a, 3b amounts to only half the voltage across the whole gradient coil 3, so that less severe requirements are imposed as regards the insulation of the gradient coil.
- Each sub-coil 3a, 3b in the diagram of Fig. 2 is represented as a pure self-inductance 47a, 47b which is connected in series with an ohmic resistance 49a, 49b, respectively. These resistances represent the resistance of the conductors constituting the gradient coil 3.
- Each of the sub-coils 3a, 3b comprises a first end 51a, 51b, respectively, and a second end 53a, 53b, respectively.
- the first ends 51a, 51b are interconnected via the secondary winding 45 of the transformer 41 and the second ends 53a, 53b are interconnected via a capacitor 55.
- the secondary winding 45 thus constitutes a series resonant circuit in conjunction with the gradient coil 3 and the capacitor 55.
- the transformer 41 constitutes the matching circuit 11 diagrammatically shown in Fig. 1.
- a voltage boost occurs in the described resonant circuit, so that the voltage across the gradient coil 3 is substantially higher than the output voltage of the gradient amplifier 9.
- the transformer 41 matches the resonant circuit to the gradient amplifier 9 and is also responsible for an increase of the current through the gradient coil 3.
- the effective power in the gradient coil 3 increases in proportion to the quality factor Q of the resonant circuit.
- the gradient amplifier 9 need deliver only the real power in the gradient coil 3 (the power dissipated in the resistances 49a and 49b) and not the much higher reactive power.
- An amplifier which is suitable for use as a gradient amplifier 9 is capable, for example of delivering an output current of 600 A in the case of an output voltage of 400 V.
- the transformer 41 has a primary winding 43 with a self-inductance of 200 ⁇ H and a resistance of 10 m ⁇ , and a secondary winding 45 with a self-inductance of 20 ⁇ H and a resistance of 2 m ⁇ .
- the coupling factor between the primary and secondary windings is 0.95.
- the total self-inductance of the gradient coil 3 amounts to 200 ⁇ H and the total resistance of this coil is 50 m ⁇ .
- the capacitance of the capacitor 55 is 50 ⁇ F.
- the resonance frequency of the resonant circuit is then 1.5 kHz and the Q of this circuit is approximately 38.
- This configuration enables a gradient field of 60 mT/m to be obtained with a rise time of 0.1 ms when a sinusoidal wave of resonance frequency is generated in the resonant circuit. This corresponds to a current of 1620 A through the gradient coil 3 in the case of a voltage of 3050 V across the coil.
- the gradient amplifier 9 need not deliver its maximum power in this situation, so that power remains to compensate for further losses in the output circuit. Such further losses may occur because switches are inserted in the output circuit.
- Fig. 3 shows a diagram of an embodiment of an output circuit in which switches are inserted.
- the circuit corresponds substantially to the circuit shown in Fig. 2 and corresponding elements are denoted by corresponding reference numerals.
- the circuit also comprises a number of on/off switches which are represented by the customary symbol for a switch in the diagram.
- semiconductor switches are preferably used for the switches, for example thyristors, GTO thyristors or transistors.
- Each of the switches comprises a control electrode which is not shown in the Figure and which is connected to the control unit 23 shown in Fig. 1.
- a first on/off switch 57 is included in the series resonant circuit and can be opened at an instant at which the current in the resonant circuit equals zero.
- the current then remains equal to zero and the energy in the resonant circuit remains stored in the capacitor 55 until this switch is closed again.
- the generation of a gradient field can thus be very abruptly terminated.
- For generating the gradient field it is also possible to charge the capacitor 55 while the first on/off switch 57 is open. At the instant at which this switch is closed, the oscillation in the resonant circuit then commences substantially immediately with the maximum amplitude. A start-up period for starting up the oscillation can thus be avoided.
- a further application of the first on/off switch 57 will be described in detail hereinafter.
- a second on/off switch 59 is connected electrically in parallel with the capacitor 55. When this switch is closed at an instant at which the voltage across the capacitor 55 equals zero, the current in the gradient coil 3 can be maintained at its maximum value for a brief period of time.
- a third on/off switch 61 is connected electrically in series with the primary winding 43 of the transformer 41. Furthermore, one of the output terminals 39 of the gradient amplifier 9 is connected, via a fourth on/off switch 63, to one end 53a of the gradient coil 3, its other output terminal 39 being connected, via a fifth on/off switch 65, to another end 53b of said coil.
- This enables operation of the gradient coil 3 in the resonance mode as well as in the conventional mode.
- the first and third on/off switches 57 and 61 are closed and the second, fourth and fifth on/off switches 59, 63 and 65 are opened. It will be evident that a circuit is thus formed which is identical to the circuit shown in Fig. 1.
- the first and third on/off switches 57 and 61 are opened and the fourth and fifth on/off switches 63 and 65 are closed.
- the state of the second on/off switch 59 is irrelevant in this case.
- the output terminals 39 of the gradient amplifier 9 are connected directly to the gradient coil 3 so that a conventional gradient pulse generated by the gradient signal generator 7 can be applied to the gradient coil 3.
- the secondary winding of the transformer 41 still being connected in series with the gradient coil 3, hardly has any effect because the primary winding 43 is switched off by the third on/off switch 61.
- the capacitor 55 will also have a negligibly small effect on the variation of the conventional gradient pulse.
- the first on/off switch 57 can be dispensed with, unless it is necessary for one of the previously described purposes.
- the circuit described with reference to Fig. 3 enables the gradient coil 3 to be controlled in the resonance mode and the conventional mode in rapid succession.
- Fig. 4 shows a diagram of a circuit which can be used in the apparatus shown in Fig. 1 and in which the gradient coil 3 is constructed as a single coil, i.e. a coil which is not subdivided into sub-coils.
- the gradient coil 3 in the diagram of Fig. 4 is represented as a combination of a pure self-inductance 67 and an ohmic resistance 69.
- the further elements of the circuit correspond to the elements of the circuit shown in Fig. 3 and corresponding elements are denoted by corresponding reference numerals.
- a single gradient coil 3 requires insulation of higher quality than a gradient coil consisting of sub-coils, but in some cases it may still be attractive, for example because it occupies less space in the apparatus.
- the capacitor 55 can then be split into two capacitors, each of which connects one end of the secondary winding 45 to one end of the gradient coil 3.
- one or more on/off switches 57, 59, 61, 63, 65 can be dispensed with if their function is not required.
- the capacitor 55 may be constructed as a series connection of two or more capacitors, each of which may then be suitable for lower voltages. In many cases it will not be necessary to operate all gradient coils 3 in the resonance mode. In these cases one or two of the matching circuits shown in Fig. 1 may have a construction which is simpler than that of the circuits shown in the Figs. 2 to 4, or they may even be completely dispensed with.
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Condensed Matter Physics & Semiconductors (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Apparatus (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims (5)
- A magnetic resonance apparatus, comprising a magnet system (1) for generating a steady magnetic field in a measurement space (35), a gradient coil system (3) for generating gradient fields in the measurement space, and a number of gradient amplifiers (9) with input terminals (38) which are connected to means (7) for generating an input signal exhibiting a predetermined variation as a function of time, and output terminals (39), the output terminals of at least one of the gradient amplifiers being connected to an output circuit which comprises a series connection of a gradient coil (3) and at least one capacitor (55), characterized in that the output circuit also comprises a transformer (41) with a primary winding (43) and a secondary winding (45), the primary winding being connected to the output terminals (39) of the gradient amplifier (9) whereas the secondary winding constitutes a series resonant circuit in conjunction with the gradient coil (3) and the capacitor.
- A magnetic resonance apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that the gradient coil (3) is composed of substantially identical first and second sub-coils (3a, 3b), each of which comprises a first end (51a, 51b) and a second end (53a, 53b), and that the first ends (51a, 51b) of the first and second sub-coils are interconnected via the secondary winding (45) whereas the second ends (53a, 53b) of the first and second sub-coils are interconnected via the capacitor (55).
- A magnetic resonance apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a first on/off switch (57) is included in the series resonant circuit.
- A magnetic resonance apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that a second on/off switch (59) is connected electrically in parallel with the capacitor (55).
- A magnetic resonance apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, characterized in that a third on/off switch (61) is electrically connected in series with the primary winding (43) of the transformer (41) and that the output terminals (39) of the gradient amplifier (9) are connected to different ends (53a, 53b) of the gradient coil (3), via a fourth on/off switch (63) and a fifth on/off switch (65).
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP95921958A EP0721593B1 (en) | 1994-07-29 | 1995-07-04 | Magnetic resonance apparatus comprising an improved gradient system |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP94202216 | 1994-07-29 | ||
EP94202216 | 1994-07-29 | ||
PCT/IB1995/000537 WO1996004565A1 (en) | 1994-07-29 | 1995-07-04 | Magnetic resonance apparatus comprising an improved gradient system |
EP95921958A EP0721593B1 (en) | 1994-07-29 | 1995-07-04 | Magnetic resonance apparatus comprising an improved gradient system |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0721593A1 EP0721593A1 (en) | 1996-07-17 |
EP0721593B1 true EP0721593B1 (en) | 2002-04-17 |
Family
ID=8217079
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP95921958A Expired - Lifetime EP0721593B1 (en) | 1994-07-29 | 1995-07-04 | Magnetic resonance apparatus comprising an improved gradient system |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US5572133A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0721593B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JPH09503153A (en) |
DE (1) | DE69526421T2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1996004565A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1998002757A2 (en) * | 1996-07-12 | 1998-01-22 | Philips Electronics N.V. | Magnetic resonance apparatus |
US6201395B1 (en) * | 1997-11-04 | 2001-03-13 | Crown Audio, Inc. | Dual mode gradient coil system |
US7384058B2 (en) * | 2005-01-05 | 2008-06-10 | Ki Mobility Llc | Foldable wheelchair with extensible link assembly and method |
US7622927B2 (en) * | 2008-04-11 | 2009-11-24 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Magnetic resonance apparatus with RF amplifier(s) disposed within the spaced distance between the primary and secondary gradient coil windings |
JP5836600B2 (en) * | 2010-01-29 | 2015-12-24 | 東芝メディカルシステムズ株式会社 | Gradient magnetic field power supply and magnetic resonance imaging apparatus |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3910058A1 (en) * | 1989-03-28 | 1990-10-04 | Siemens Ag | ARRANGEMENT FOR PRODUCING SECTIONAL IMAGES WITH A CORE SPIN TOMOGRAPH AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE ARRANGEMENT |
DE3926204A1 (en) * | 1989-08-08 | 1991-02-14 | Siemens Ag | Mains supply section for superconductive magnet of NMR tomograph - has gradient amplifier regulated to deliver desired current |
US5063349A (en) * | 1990-06-04 | 1991-11-05 | General Electric Company | Transformer-coupled gradient speed-up circuit |
WO1991019992A1 (en) * | 1990-06-13 | 1991-12-26 | Advanced Nmr Systems, Inc. | Circuitry for driving field-generating coil of magnetic resonance imaging system |
DE4127529C2 (en) * | 1991-08-20 | 1995-06-08 | Siemens Ag | A method of operating a magnetic resonance imaging apparatus having a resonant circuit for generating gradient fields |
-
1995
- 1995-07-04 EP EP95921958A patent/EP0721593B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1995-07-04 JP JP8506351A patent/JPH09503153A/en not_active Ceased
- 1995-07-04 WO PCT/IB1995/000537 patent/WO1996004565A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1995-07-04 DE DE69526421T patent/DE69526421T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1995-07-19 US US08/504,088 patent/US5572133A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0721593A1 (en) | 1996-07-17 |
US5572133A (en) | 1996-11-05 |
DE69526421D1 (en) | 2002-05-23 |
WO1996004565A1 (en) | 1996-02-15 |
DE69526421T2 (en) | 2002-10-31 |
JPH09503153A (en) | 1997-03-31 |
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